English

edit

Etymology

edit

From perverse +‎ -ness.

Pronunciation

edit
  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

edit

perverseness (countable and uncountable, plural perversenesses)

  1. The quality of being perverse; doggedness, obstinacy.
    • 1611, The Holy Bible, [] (King James Version), London: [] Robert Barker, [], →OCLC, Isaiah 30:12–13, column 1:
      Wherefore, thus ſaith the holy one of Iſrael, Becauſe ye deſpise this word, and truſt in oppreſſion and peruerſeneſſe, and ſtay thereon: Therefore this iniquitie ſhalbe to you as a breach ready to fall, ſwelling out in a high wall, whoſe breaking commeth ſuddenly at an inſtant.